Synflex-sponsored professional tennis player

Michael Russell, born in Detroit, Michigan in 1978, is currently the oldest American tennis player on the ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) World Tour. At his current age of thirty-two, he has many years of experience behind him. Russell began playing tennis at the early age of five, coming from a family of tennis lovers. Russell's mother and father both played tennis at the University of Michigan, with his father being a member of the University of Michigan's Big 10 Conference Championship team in 1965. His older brother also displayed his tennis skills collegiately at Princeton University in New Jersey.

Michael Russell spent his childhood in Michigan, and later moved to Florida where he graduated as valedictorian of his class at Saddlebrook High School in 1995.  Russell was excelling at tennis and gaining ground in the tennis world, where he was ranked #1 in 1996 for the “Rookie of the Year, Boys’ Under 18”.  Then while attending the University of Miami, he was ranked #7 in NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) rankings.  Later, at the Indian Wells Satellites, Russell earned his first professional ATP points.  He then turned pro in 1998. 

Russell has had many career highs, including playing in each of the Grand Slam events, leading to Lleyton Hewitt in the first round of the 2007 Australian Open (two sets to love), holding match point in the 2001 French Open against Gustavo Kuerten, and serving to his idol Andre Agassi in 1997.  During his professional career he has accomplished many personal goals, and he is always ready for a new challenge.  Russell plays every match as if his life is on the line. He is an overachiever who has endured many pitfalls from injuries, but has rose above the pain to perfect his game and make necessary adjustments that may help him beat out his competitors.  

Russell is known amongst fellow tennis athletes as having a very admirable personality: witty, determined, and caring.  Russell has teamed up with the Texas Children’s Hospital in his home town of Houston, Texas. He is helping to provide young children with the finest pediatric care, through medical attention, research, and education.  Russell is also very dedicated to his family, wife, friends, and fans.